Governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the 2023 gubernatorial election in Kogi state, Otunba Olayinka Braimoh has decried the maltreatment and marginalization of Okun land since the creation of the state.
Speaking in a presentation titled “Roles of Youths in Okun Development,” at the second edition of Okun Summit in Kabba, Otunba Braimoh expressed disappointment over the unfair treatment melted to Okun people by successive administrations, saying till now, there is no government presence in some communities.
“For example, my community where I come from (Akutupa-Kiri) and most communities in Bunu Land do not have motorable roads and there is no electricity supply after over 30 years of the existence of Kogi State. Does that help us economically to grow? They can’t get their agricultural produce to the market.
“When you look at the level of State infrastructure in other Senatorial Districts in Kogi State, can you really compare with what we have? Other zones, they have opportunity to be Governor of the State. Recent history shows clearly that zones that have had Governor have developed their zones than others who have not produced.
“Look at the Budgetary allocations across the zones, appointments and compare,” Otunba Braimoh said.
He stated that even if the government abandoned some communities in the area, Okun people are not supposed to keep quiet and cross their fingers.
According to him, Okun leaders must make necessary sacrifice to move the land forward as the challenges of the land cannot be fixed without individual and collective sacrifices, commitment and dedication.
Otunba Braimoh maintained that the people of the area have cried victims for long, saying their destiny is in their hands.
He stressed the need for Okun leaders to be good examples that must be emulated by the younger generation, instead of blaming them at all times.
The former governorship candidate called for equitable distribution of the resources of the state in a bid to ensure equity, fairness and justice for all.
